Pep Guardiola declares his team and his player are “back” in a clear warning to City rivals after the dazzling performance in a Manchester City 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden produced a stunning display, scoring twice to help the Premier League giants take a firm step toward qualification for the knockout rounds.
His brace — both calm, precise finishes into the bottom corner — were his first goals in Europe this season and doubled his overall tally across all competitions.
Erling Haaland, predictably, also found the net against his former club, while Rayan Cherki added a late fourth after Waldemar Anton had briefly given Dortmund hope with a well-taken strike.
The Etihad crowd was treated to a vintage display from Foden, who appeared to be playing with the confidence and flair that defined his breakout years under Guardiola.
It was a reminder of the player who once seemed unstoppable before injuries and personal challenges slowed his momentum.
Guardiola, who has nurtured Foden since his teenage years, was full of praise after the final whistle.
“Phil is back,” he declared in a post match interview. “How many times have we seen Phil score these types of goals? We missed this a lot last season, but this year I think he’s going to help us a lot.
“He is confident to score these goals — not shooting strong but just putting the ball close to the post. It’s like a pass to the net. Phil is fantastic at that.”
The Spaniard added: “This season he is back. Not just Phil — all of us struggled last season. When Phil is in that level, playing between the lines, in the pockets, his first touch, his turn, and his generosity to run and fight are top class.
“When Phil is happy with love and joy, you don’t have to say much. He’s a special player, but we need his goals, and hopefully today was the first step to doing it.”
Foden’s resurgence has been one of the more uplifting stories for City supporters this season. The academy graduate endured a testing 2023–24 campaign despite helping the club to another Premier League title.
Off the pitch, he spoke openly about struggles with injuries and personal matters that affected his rhythm and confidence.
Now, fully fit and firing, he looks ready to reclaim his role as one of Guardiola’s most important attacking outlets. Against Dortmund, he was everywhere — finding pockets of space, linking play, and tormenting defenders with his quick feet and intelligence.
It was not only the goals that caught the eye but also his relentless energy and movement. Guardiola has often said that Foden at his best plays “between the lines,” manipulating space where others hesitate.
That description felt apt again on Wednesday as he constantly drifted into dangerous positions, connecting City’s midfield and attack with ease.
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His second goal, a delicate finish after a flowing team move, summed up both his confidence and his understanding of Guardiola’s philosophy. There was no power, just precision — a measured pass into the far corner beyond the Dortmund goalkeeper.
Guardiola has long viewed Foden as one of the few players who naturally understands the rhythm of City’s intricate style of play. But for much of last season, that instinct was missing.
His touch was off, his movement less decisive. Now, with form and fitness restored, Foden seems to have rediscovered the joy that fuels his game.
Manchester City 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund leaves them sitting fourth in the competition group, with ten points from four matches and a healthy goal difference.
Their next European outing comes almost three weeks from now — a home clash against Bayer Leverkusen on November 25. Until then, the focus shifts back to domestic competition, starting with a huge Premier League meeting against Liverpool on Sunday.
